The Bay View rooms seem to actually be right on the water or beach, the water view rooms means you can see the bay or water but your balcony may not be directly on the path/beach or water. This facility has several buidings and a tall tower, so make sure you book exactly what you want.

I visited over the 4th of July and didn't feel unsafe. Didn't notice a bunch of homeless but there is a public park/bay area next to it so it isn't secluded. The bay front is within walking distance for you to paddleboard. It isn't a beach though, it is a bay area.

It is a very long walk, plus it goes through the older parts of San Diego (not desirable) you can take a cab to the trolleys in downtown old San Diego, very reasonable. Once on the trolley system, you can get off at multiple locations throughout the city and walk around, the trolleys come by every 20mins and stop around 5pm.